Big Mama Thornton

Willie Mae ("Big Mama") Thornton (December 11, 1926 - July 25, 1984) was an American blues singer.

Later career and death

Thornton continued to tour the "chitlin' circuit" as fans began to favor newer R&B sounds over blues. For some years, Big Mama suffered in obscurity like most of her fellow bluesmen. Her name gained wider prominence and her career enjoyed a significant resurgence as her song "Ball and Chain" was covered by Janis Joplin, making it a regular number in her repertoire. From that point onward, Thornton would remain a headliner at blues festivals, colleges, and clubs throughout the country and even in Europe. She began recording again, and released albums for the Arhoolie, Mercury, and Vanguard labels. Years of hard drinking and living began to take their toll, however, and by the late 1970's her health (and her trademark girth) had declined greatly. She nevertheless performed until her death in 1984 in Los Angeles, where she was found dead from natural causes in the boarding house room she had been living in. Johnny Otis conducted her her funeral services, and she was laid to rest in Inglewood Park Cemetery.

Related Topics:
Ball and Chain - Janis Joplin - Europe - Mercury - 1970's - 1984 - Los Angeles

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